Meeting Briefs

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 August 13, 2024

(Posted August 16, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on August 13, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page. 

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Skinkis provided an update on the solar panels project, construction of the culinary lab, and the 2024-25 District SMART Goals. The Superintendent’s report can be viewed here.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristin Smetana provided financial information for June 2024, which represents 100% of FY24, and July 2024, which represents 8% of FY25. The Assistant Superintendent’s report can be viewed here.

 

Principal’s Report

Principal Dr. Freytas provided updates on Teaching & Learning, School Culture & Operations, and Activities & Athletics during the Principal’s Report. The report can be viewed here.

 

Nicholas & Associates Presentation

Nicholas & Associates presented the bids and costs associated with the Culinary Lab project, as well as an update on the construction of the project. The presentation can be viewed here.

 

District Goals Update

Superintendent Dr. Skinkis presented the 2024-2025 Board of Education SMART Goals. The SMART Goals can be viewed here. 

 

Tentative Budget FY 2025

The approved tentative budget for FY 25 has been updated since the July Board of Education meeting. The final FY 25 budget will be presented to the Board for approval at the September 10, 2024 Board of Education meeting. The tentative FY 25 budget can be viewed here. 

 

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during the closed session meeting.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 July 9, 2024

(Posted July 15, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on July 9, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page. 

 

Recognitions

 

2024 Summer Graduates

Livia Coffman, Anastasia Garcia, Kameran Henderson-Washington, Amelia Orozco-Jimenez

 

Superintendent’s Report

• Construction on the culinary lab began the week of July 8, 2024.
• All Certified Staffing positions for the 2024-2025 school year have been filled. 
• The 2024-2025 school year begins for teachers on Monday, August 12, 2024, and begins on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, for students. 
• The FY 2025 Budget is still being reviewed and updated. 

 

Principal’s Report

• Residency dates for the 2024-2025 school year are July 10, 17, 24, and 31. 
• Important dates for August and September:
• August 5-7: Bridge to RB
• 9:00 AM-12:00 PM for Incoming freshmen only, must register online
• August 8: Freshman Orientation
• 10:00-11:30 AM in the Main Gym
• August 8: Parent University-Welcome Back Night 2024
• 4:00-6:00 PM in the Auditorium and Commons Area
• August 12: Institute Day for Staff (Non-Attendance Day for students)
• August 12: First official day of Fall Sports and Tryouts
• August 13: First Day of School, LATE START
• August 21: Open House 2024
• 6:00-7:30 PM
• August 29: Countdown to College Night for Seniors and Parents
• 6:00-7:30 PM in the Auditorium
• September 13: Homecoming Game
• 7:00 PM vs. Ridgewood
• September 14: Homecoming Dance
• 7:00-10:00 PM at the RB Stadium

 

Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability

 

Tentative Budget FY 2025

The second draft of the tentative budget for FY 2025 is attached here.

 

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during the closed session meeting.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 June 25, 2024

(Posted July 7, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole and Special meeting on June 25, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page. 

Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements/Sustainability

 

Award of Bids for Culinary Lab Project and Assignment to Nicholas and Associates, Inc.

On May 31, 2024, the District went out to bid for the Culinary Lab construction project. The public bid opening was held on June 18, 2024. The total cost for awarding the four bids for construction is $1,606,412. The total estimated all-in cost, which includes fees for the architect, construction management, and fixed general conditions is $2,170,000. The bid tabulation sheet and separate contract agreements can be found here.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 June 11, 2024

(Posted June 13, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on June 11, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page. 

 

Recognitions

 

All-State Student Athletes

 

Softball:

Zoe Levine – First Team All-State

Emily Organ – Second Team All-State

 

Boys’ Track and Field:

Jack O’Brien

 

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Dr. Skinkis provided a summary of district updates during the Superintendent’s Report, including updates on the FY 2025 Tentative Budget and the 2024-2025 District Smart Goals. The report can be accessed here.

 

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

The linked reports provide the financial information for May 2024. This represents 92% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $1,330,141.

 

Second Semester Attendance Comparison and Suspension Report

The Assistant Principal of Student Affairs and the Deans provided documents summarizing the yearly and second-semester attendance comparison and the second-semester suspension report. The reports can be accessed here. 

 

Second Semester Engagement Report

The Assistant Principal of Student Affairs and Athletics provided a summary of athletic and activity participation for the 2023-2024 school year. The report can be accessed here.

 

2023-2024 Spring Athletic Summary

Principal Dr. Freytas provided a summary of the 2023-2024 spring athletics season and pay-to-participate comparisons. The report can be accessed here.

 

Principal’s Report

Principal Dr. Freytas provided updates on Teaching & Learning, School Culture & Operations, and Activities & Athletics during the Principal’s Report. The report can be accessed here.

 

District Goals Update 

An update was provided on the proposed 2024-2025 Board of Education Smart Goals. 

 

Old Business

 

New Culinary Lab

The Board of Education approved the AIA – Document B133 with DLA. 

 

Tentative Budget FY 2025

The Board of Education approved the tentative budget for FY 2025. View the tentative budget here. 

 

Girls’ and Boys’ Bowling Teams, 2024-2025 School Year 

The Board of Education approved two new winter sports, Girls’ and Boys’ Bowling teams, for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during the closed session meeting.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 May 28, 2024

(Posted June 4, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on May 28, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page. 

Recognitions

YC2 Program Students

Jessica Bellm, Montzerrat Brito, Jorie Eggers, Emma Lopez, Hayden Marrs, Rachel Nguyen, and Henry Walker 

National Honor Society for Dance Arts Inductees

Vera Brenneman, Lily Borkowicz, Jaden Cadungog, Ella Darrah, Mae Jameson, Emmie Mugnaini, Greta Staneviciute, and Genevieve Van Nice

2024-2025 Board of Education Student Advisors

Emma Lopez and Olivia Lopez

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

The linked reports provide the financial information for April 2024. This represents 83% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $1,224,546.

 

Bond Debt Overview

The linked presentation outlines a funding option for issuing a tax-exempt working cash bond for $2,000,000 for installing solar panels and creating a second culinary lab in the 2024-25 school year.

 

Technology Report

Technology Director Mike Connors and Instructional Technology Coordinator Kevin Dybas summarized the technology and blending learning projects and initiatives completed in the 2023-24 school year and upcoming projects and goals for the 2024-25 school year. The report can be accessed here, beginning with page 23.

 

Wellness Report

The Wellness Report provides an update from the RBHS Wellness Committee, led by Wellness Teacher Leader Jason Rech, that summarizes wellness efforts made in the 2023-24 school year. The report can be accessed here, beginning with page 27.

 

Girls and Boys Bowling Presentation

Interim Assistant Principal of Athletics Dan Jones provided an overview of RB’s adoption of the IHSA Girls and Boys Bowling program for the 2024-25 winter season. The presentation can be accessed here. 

 

Old Business

 

New Culinary Lab

A Special Board Meeting will be held on June 25, 2024, to award the bid for the culinary lab. Based on 90% of the completed construction cost, the projected project cost is $2.65 million. The culinary lab documents can be accessed here. 

 

Nania Contract for Solar Panel Consultation 

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the Nania Energy Advisors Solar Service Agreement, as presented in the May 28, 2024, Board Agenda Packet.

 

New Business

 

Tentative Budget FY 2025

The first draft of the tentative budget for FY 2025 can be accessed here.

 

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during the closed session meeting.

 

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 May 14, 2024

(Posted May 17, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on May 14, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page. 

 

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Dr. Skinkis provided a summary of district updates during the Superintendent’s Report, including a staffing update, information about the RBEA CBA extension, and Student Advisor interviews. The report can be accessed here.

 

Division Head Year in Review and Future Planning Report

The Division Heads, Kendra Cagle, Marc Helgeson, Lindsay Mynaugh, and Mark Ori, provided a summary of the progress made in the 2023-2024 under the new instructional leadership model. The report can be accessed here.

 

Principal’s Report

Principal Dr. Freytas provided updates on Teaching & Learning, School Culture & Operations, and Activities & Athletics during the Principal’s Report. The report can be accessed here.

 

Student Advisors Report 

The Student Advisors provided updates on Teaching & Learning, School Culture & Operations, and Activities & Athletics during the Student Advisors Report. The report can be accessed here.

 

Old Business

 

New Culinary Lab

An updated timeline has been provided for the culinary lab project. The administration should have a better estimate of the cost for the project by the May 28, 2024, Board of Education Meeting.

 

Nania Contract for Solar Panel Consultation 

No new updates to report.

 

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during the closed session meeting.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 April 9, 2024

(Posted April 12, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on April 9, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.

Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability

• No new updates to report.

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during closed session.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 March 12, 2024

(Posted March 15, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on March 12, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page.

Recognitions

Students

Boys Swimming and Diving Team State Qualifiers

Lucas Hedrich, Alex Jacobs, William Kallas, Nate Kissel, Jake Kocourek, Cooper Marrs, Hayden Marrs, Aiden Pankros, Drew Rosa

 

Boys Wrestling Individual State Qualifiers

Joshua Gonzalez, Edgar Mosquera, Ethan Rivas

 

Boys Wrestling Team: Dual Tournament State Qualifiers

 

Girls Wrestling Individual State Qualifier

Elleanor Aphay

 

Varsity Poms Team- Illinois Drill Team Association State Qualifiers

Aubrey Agne, Samantha Bolt, Alexa Cavaliere, Avery Cavaliere, Maya Gonzalez, Mae Jameson, Isabella Kirsch, Sofia Lee, Sofia Miller, Liliana Nieto, Kailyn Novak, Anna Pinnick, Emelia Royer, Addie Segura, Sadie Towers, Annika Weekes

 

RBTV Spirit Showdown Winners

Makayla Angshed, John Isaacson, Madison Lannon, Mason Myslinski, Grace Stanley, Jenny Thomas, Kayla Tulian

 

Chess Team State Qualifiers

Joey Duff, Matteo Gonzalez, David Gugliciello, Eli Halliwell, Joe Hiltscher, Alex Perez, Quentin Rohner, Vittorio Sciacca, Nate Smolarek, Dylan Zec

 

Teachers

Dan O’Rourke

AP English Language and Composition teacher Mr. Dan O’Rourke was invited to the International AP Workshop at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. 

Patty Sarkady

Mrs. Patty Sarkady was selected as the 2024 Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) Classroom Teacher of the Year. 

Superintendent’s Report

No new updates to report.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

The linked reports provide the financial information for February 2024. This represents 67% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $3,221,168.

 

Principal’s Report

• The Graduation Rate Projection for the 2023-24 school year is 93.7%. 
• The Freshman On Track (FOT) Projection for the 2023-24 school year is 98.4%. 
• The 5Essentials Student Participation Rate as of March 14 is 92%. 
• Spring Break is from March 22-April 1. 
• April 6 is the Math Team State Tournament at Illinois State University. The Math Team is ranked 2nd in the region and 18th in the state.
• April 16 is PSAT/SAT testing for Grades 9-11, and seniors will have a College/Career Exploration Day. 

 

Winter Athletics Summary 2024

Conference Champions: JV and Varsity Girls Basketball, Poms, all levels of Boys Basketball, and Boys Wrestling

 

Sectional Champions: Boys Swimming and Diving 

 

For the 2023-24 school year, there were 39 All-Conference Athletes and 88 All-Conference Academic Athletes. There were 309 total winter athletes. The report can be accessed here.

 

Student Handbook Presentation 2024-25

Suggested changes and updates for the 2024-25 RBHS Handbook were provided in the Student Handbook Presentation. The presentation can be accessed here.

 

Special Education Report

An update on special education staffing, student information, and programming was provided in the Special Education Report. The report can be accessed here.

 

Staffing Summary Report

The Staffing Summary Report provides an overview of allocated FTE, by department, for the 2024-2025 school year, based on student course requests. The current proposed FTE for the 2024-2025 school year is 110.9. The report can be accessed here.

 

Student Advisors Report

• March 11-15: College and Career Week
• Trades and Career Fair: 2nd and 3rd period in the East Gym

• March 15: 1st match for Boys Tennis
• March 20: 1st match for Boys Volleyball
• April 26: Prom from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Oak Brook Hills Hilton Resort

Old Business

Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability

New Culinary Lab

No new updates to report.

Nania Contract for Solar Panel Consultation

No new updates to report.

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the following after closed session:

• Personnel packet 
• MOUs with the RBEA

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 February 27, 2024

(Posted March 1, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on February 27, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page.

Recognitions

Faculty/Staff

Blended Learning Participants

Kevin Dybas, Margarita Acevedo, Kirsten Blumberg, Melissa Carmona, Nicholas Curby, Sandy Czajka, Danielle Delzotti, Laurence Forberg, Delaney Geraghty, Melissa Gordon, Kathleen Harsy, Marc Helgeson, Kelli Holton, Lillian Holubek, Emma Jarrell, Michele Koehler, Allison Marsh, Jessica Mauritzen, Phil McGovern, Jill McGrath, Valerie Ostrow, Mark Ori, Jenna Osburn, Sonja Rajic, Ian Robins, Patty Sarkady, Rachael Schoenhardt, Kristi Sterling, Juan Tinoco, Carolyn Tomecek, Laura Turk, Lauren Vara, Maricela Vega, Brad Vojcak, Bridget Watson, Sam Weiss

Student Association’s Report

Student Association held a Pep Rally on February 14 with a Spirit Week leading up to the event. They held a Blood Drive on February 21 and had nearly 90 people sign up to donate blood. The Senior Class Officers are hosting a Game Night on March 8 from 6:00-8:30 pm.  On March 13 and 14, students can write notes of acknowledgment to the RB Staff. March 21 will be Crazy Sock Day for World Down Syndrome Day. From April 12 to April 25, RB will have a pop tab competition. 

Superintendent’s Report

• An update on the planning of the future Culinary Lab was provided. 
• A detailed staffing report will be provided to the Board of Education at the March meeting. The Building administration is still finalizing staffing and sectioning for next school year. Music staffing will not experience any reductions and will remain at 2.6 FTE, allowing a second year to rebound from Covid.
• Superintendent’s Advisory Council
• The Finance Advisory Council reviewed a draft of the three-year financial projections and discussed the District’s debt profile and various financing options with the District’s Debt/Investment Advisor Elizabeth Hennessey.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

The linked reports provide the financial information for January 2024. This represents 58% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $1,045,378.

 

Principal’s Report

Quarter 3 ends on March 8. From March 11-15, RB will hold the Illinois Science Assessment for Juniors. March 14 is the Race and Equity Meeting at 6:30 PM in Room 201. The Spring Musical, Guys and Dolls, is from February 29-March 3. The Thursday-Saturday show begins at 7 PM, and the Sunday show begins at 2 PM.

 

Student Advisors Report

March 1: First Day of Women’s History Month

March 5: Winter Band Concert with Hauser Jr. High at 7 PM in the RB Auditorium

March 7: Winter Choir and Orchestra Concert at 7 PM in the RB Auditorium

March 8: Game Night from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

March 9: First Boys and Girls Water Polo meets.

March 11: First Girls Lacrosse match.

March 12: First Girls Soccer and Girls Softball games.

March 13: First Boys Baseball game.

March 14: First Boys Lacrosse and Girls Badminton matches.

March 15: First Boys Tennis match.

March 20: First Boys Volleyball match.

Old Business

No new updates to report.

New Business

New Culinary Lab

The administration has seen a steady increase in student enrollment for culinary classes, with over 500 student requests for the 2024-25 school year. The goal is to convert the Alumni Lounge into a second culinary lab to accommodate student interest. The lab will have commercial kitchen equipment so higher-level culinary classes can earn dual credit.

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during closed session.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 February 13, 2024

(Posted February 16, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on February 13, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.

Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability

• The solar panel project costs approx. $1.5 million and the Culinary Lab project costs approx. $3 million. The administration discussed two options for these projects. The first option is to prioritize the Culinary Lab, with the work to start in late summer and be completed during the school year. The second option is to complete both projects at the same time in late summer/early fall. The administration recommends holding off on the solar project until the financial situation is reviewed and discussed with the Board of Education.

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during closed session.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 January 23, 2024

(Posted January 26, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on January 23, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.

Recognitions

Students

COP28 United Nations Climate Summit Attendee

Maiana Nelson

2024 Illinois High School Theatre Festival All-State Crew Members

Cameron Dominick and Elli Krivak

IMEA Musicians

Lily Borkowicz, Joshua De La Cruz, Ian Dimaano, Grayson Geiger, Vittoria Gentile, Greta Stanevičiūtė, Caroline Strubbe, William Wilkins

Plumbers Union Training Students

Vincent Jenke, Gabriel Jimenez, Michael Rateike

Adobe Certified Students

Henry Alvarado, Adobe Photoshop; Sebastian Giblin, Adobe Illustrator; Kai Hendricks, Adobe Photoshop; RJ Iwaniec, Adobe Photoshop; Kyle Straka, Adobe Photoshop; Marilyn Urban, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop

Faculty/Staff

National Board Certified Teachers

James Baum, Kirsten Blumberg, Laurence Forberg, Marc Helgeson, Michele Koehler, Allison Marsh, Jessica Mauritzen, Jill McGrath, David Monti, Daniel O'Rourke, Bridget Wilmot, Suzanne Zimmerman

Patriotic Employer Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Principal Dr. Hector Freytas on behalf of Riverside Brookfield High School

 

Student Association Report

Student Association donated 25 Thanksgiving baskets to Community Support Services. 578 items were donated to the Coat and Blanket Drive. The quarterly Notes of Acknowledgment will continue throughout the school year and will continue to collect Pop Tops for the Pop Top collection. There will be a Pep Rally on February 14 and a Blood Drive on February 21

 

Superintendent’s Report

• Thank you to the administration, faculty, staff, and students for implementing two eLearning days last week due to inclement weather. 
• The Cafeteria and Library HVAC commissioning is completed on the heating side. Commissioning on the AC side will occur in spring when the weather improves.
• The District has started to schedule site visits as we continue to explore the concept of installing solar panels. 

 

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

The linked reports provide the financial information for December 2023. This represents 50% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $7,873,685.

 

Principal’s Report

• Incoming Freshman Orientation is on January 27 from 8 AM-3 PM in the Commons Area.
• Coffee with the Principal is on January 31 from 9-9:50 AM in Room 201.
• College Planning Tips for Sophomores is on February 7 from 6-7 PM in the Auditorium.

 

First Semester Attendance and Suspension Report

The Assistant Principal of Student Affairs and the Deans reviewed the first-semester attendance comparison and first-semester suspension report and identified areas of growth and areas of concern as RB aims to reach the district goal of 95% Average Daily Attendance and improve student behavior. The report is linked here. 

 

Student Advisors Report

• January 24-27: IMEA All-State Music Festival in Peoria
• February 2: Girls Basketball Senior Night at 6:45 PM in the Main Gym
• February 10: Solo and Ensemble Festival, 8 AM-2 PM
• February 13: Big Band Blast from 7-8 PM in the Little Theater
• February 13: Senior Night for Boys Basketball, Cheer, Poms, Hip Hop, and Pep Band 
• February 14: Winter Pep Rally in the Main Gym
• February 21: Blood Drive from 8 AM- 1:45 PM in the East Gym
• February 20-23: Spirit Week

 

Action After Closed Session

The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 January 9, 2024

(Posted January 12, 2024)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on January 9, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.

Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability

• The administration recommends that more exploration needs to occur with Nicholas and Associates (construction manager) before recommending that the District move forward with the solar panel project.

2024-2025 School Calendar

• The Board of Education approves the 2024-2025 School Calendar.

Action After Closed Session

The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approves the appointment of Filberto Torres as Assistant Principal of Athletics effective July 1, 2024.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 November 14, 2023

(Posted November 20, 2023)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on November 14, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.

Recognitions

 

College Board Recognition for the 2023 AP Art and Design Digital Exhibit

Christian Varela

 

ILMEA District 1 Musicians

Jack Adams, Emily Baartman, Adeline Blomgren, Lily Borkowicz, Benjamin Buoscio, Hayden Clark, John Decker, Josh De La Cruz, Ian Dimaano, Angelina Figueroa, Grayson Geiger, Vittoria Gentile, Patrick Hart, Lucas Hruza, Bennet Janunas, Caroline Moran, Dayne Olson, Tabitha Relyea, Greta Stanveiciute, Caroline Strubbe, Rachel Watson, William Wilkins, Iris Williams

 

RBHS’ Groups Annual Presentations

 

RBHS Sports Boosters

The 2023-2024 school year officers are Jennie Royer, President; Kristin Hoyd and Julie Novak, Vice Presidents; Amy Raymond, Secretary; Michelle Ruska, Treasurer. Please see here for the RBHS Sports Boosters Annual Report.

 

Riverside Brookfield Educational Foundation (RBEF)

The 2023-2024 school year officers are David Monti, President; Treasurer, Patty Sarkady; and Secretary, Mary Todhunter. Please see here for the RBEF Annual Report.

 

RBHS Music and Theatre Sponsors

The 2023-2024 school year officers are Lisa Janunas, President; Ann Kissel, Vice President, Music; Amy Moran, Vice President, Theatre; Kirsten Bell, Treasurer; and Maggie White, Secretary. Please see here for the RBHS Music and Theatre Sponsors Annual Report.

 

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)

The 2023-2024 school year officers are Julie Laube, President; VP of Communication, Courtenay Erb and Michele Mendoza; VP of Membership, Heather DiForti; Linda Sanduski, Secretary; and Treasurer, Beatrize Beltran. Please see here for the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Annual Report.

 

Superintendent’s Report

• The Cafeteria and Library HVAC commissioning is in progress.
• A tentative timeline has been set and an email was sent to staff to serve on the committee for the Assistant Principal of Athletics search. The District hopes to select a candidate in January.
• The annual Veterans Day assembly occurred on Friday, November 10.

 

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

The linked reports will provide the Board of Education with the financial information for October 2023. This represents 33% of the fiscal year. 

 

Principal’s Report

• Riverside Brookfield High School earned Exemplary summative designation in the annual Illinois State Report Card for the 2022-2023 school year.
• November 22-25 is Thanksgiving/Fall Break. November 29 is Coffee with the Principal at 9 AM in the staff cafe. November 30 is College Night for Juniors and Parents at 6 PM in the Little Theater. 
• From November 21-25, Boys Basketball will host the VandeMerkt Boys Basketball Tournament.
• December 6 is FAFSA Completion Night, from 4-6 PM in the Computer Lab.

 

Student Advisor’s Report

On November 8, Mr. Venegas and his students attended Hamilton the Musical. The Marching Band will perform at the Annual Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago on November 23. The Music Department’s Holiday Concert will be from December 6-7 at 7 PM in the Auditorium.

 

Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability

The IASB has released the 2023 Resolutions Committee Report. After the Board’s review and discussions, the Board delegate Ms. Hruska will vote according to the Board’s preferences at the Delegate Assembly in November.

 

The District has decided to submit the grant for the installation of solar panels on the roof. At the December 12 Board meeting, the District’s energy consultant, Nania Energy will review the solar panel feasibility study along with the proposed solar project options. The earliest this project would be completed is summer 2024.

 

Action After Closed Session

The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 October 24, 2023

(Posted October 27, 2023)

The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 24, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.

Student Association Report

• Homecoming Spirit Week and the Pep Rally were a success. At the end of 1st quarter, SA collected notes of acknowledgment where students expressed gratitude to faculty and staff.
• There will be a student Blood Drive on Wednesday, November 8. Members of SA will write cards to veterans at Hines VA Hospital on November 10. Thanksgiving Baskets, a donation drive for Thanksgiving Food, will end on November 15. The Coat and Blanket Drive will take place in late November. 

Principal’s Report

The Veteran’s Day Celebration is on Friday, November 10. College Planning Tips for Freshmen is on November 1 in the Little Theater. The Fall Play: A Christmas Carol is from November 2-5 in the Auditorium. Winter sports begin on Monday, November 6.

Student Advisor’s Report

• The Parent-Teacher Conferences ran smoothly, and parents appreciated the online communication with teachers. 
• On Monday, October 23, the Coffee Bar opened in the student cafeteria. The Organization of Latin American Students is hosting an ofrenda (Altar) in RB’s Atrium for Dia de los Muertos from November 1-2. Mariachi Club made their debut at the Band and Orchestra Concert. 
• Congratulations to our Boys and Girls Cross Country and Girls Volleyball conference champions!

Superintendent’s Report

• The Cafeteria and Library HVAC replacement project is working through punch list items.
• Kiley Fletcher released the RB Review (quarterly newsletter) last week. Hard copies of the newsletter will be dropped off at the local libraries and village halls to reach the community members who are not accessing electronic updates.
• Board members Ms. Zalas, Mr. Novak, and Mr. VenHorst attended the schoolboard workshop on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) last Saturday.
• Dr. Skinkis was asked to present the peer evaluation system implemented at RB to the University of Illinois, Principal Leadership (MA) graduate program.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

The linked reports will provide the Board of Education with the financial information for

September 2023. This represents 25% of the fiscal year.

School Maintenance Grant

• The Administration is exploring the installation of solar panels on portions of the roof to help offset energy costs. 
• Another project being explored is redesigning the current teachers’ cafeteria into a commercial kitchen for the culinary arts program and relocating the teachers’ cafeteria to nearby classroom space—more information to follow in the coming months. 

Action After Closed Session

The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.

Board Briefs

District 208 Board of Education 

 October 10, 2023

(Posted October 13, 2023)

The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on October 10, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.

Principal’s Report

Riverside Brookfield High School earned Gold recognition on the College Board's AP School Honor Roll for the 2022-23 school year. Riverside Brookfield High School is also recognized with the AP Access Award, which honors schools that encourage more low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses. October 19 are Parent-Teacher Conferences.  October 20 is an Institute/Non-Attendance Day.

High School Leadership Team Presents Performance Reports

Riverside Brookfield High School performance data from the 2022-23 school year was measured between five performance indicators. These indicators are:

• Student Average Daily Attendance: Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for the 2022-2023 school year slightly increased from 93.1% in the 2022 school year to 93.8%.

• Student Engagement: There was an increase in student engagement for the 2022-2023 school year. 70% of the students enrolled at RB are involved in at least one activity or athletic team. This increase can be attributed to increased extracurricular options for students.

• Freshmen On-Track: Freshman On-Track (FOT) is a measure of how many first-time freshmen are, by the end of their first year, “On Track” to graduate from high school within four years. 96.08% of the Class of 2026 are on track to graduate from high school within four years. 

• College and Career Readiness as measured by the PSAT and SAT: Performance data for the class of 2023, the students that have been enrolled at RB since freshmen year, demonstrated improvement over the previous year’s data in both math and evidence-based reading and writing (ERW). 76% of students met the ERW benchmark and 59% of students met the math benchmark.

• 4-Year Cohort Graduation Rate and 5-Year Adjusted Graduation Rate: The Class of 2023 4-year cohort graduation rate was 93.69%. The graduation rate excluding special education students returning for transition services is 96.8%.

Action After Closed Session

The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.